High spirits for new dry gin producers

Founder of Chilgrove Gin, Christopher�Tetley�and�co-founder�Dr�Celia�Beaumont-Hutchings with their new product SUS-140606-155931001

Published:13:00Monday 16 June 2014

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A COUPLE with a shared passion have been making a spirit which is set to pin Chilgrove on the map for gin-lovers around the world.

Founder Christopher Tetley and co-founder Celia Beaumont-Hutching, who is also a doctor at St Richard’s Hospital, have created a stir with their Chilgrove Gin – the first-ever gin to be made in England which has been distilled from grapes.

The couple, who are soon to move to Marden, are officially launching their product on World Gin Day on June 14, and are busy lining up previews at wine shops and events.

“It is nice to have a product that you are so proud of,” said Dr Beaumont-Hutching.

“From start to finish, it’s taken us about two years to produce.”

Gin is normally distilled from cereal – but the couple wanted to go back to the roots of the product.

“It has been really exciting,” said Mr Tetley.

“We have really been going back through the history. We have been experimenting and decided to use 11 botanicals, which we thought gave the best delivery and mouth-feel.”

Chilgrive Gin is already being sold at pubs around Chichester, including the White Horse at Chilgrove and Majestic Wine.

The couple already have big plans for Chilgrove Gin, hoping to conquer the UK and European gin market.

Charles Maxwell, master distiller, said the gin was ‘big, powerful and complex’.